North Dagoretti Beatrice Elachi, a Member of Parliament (MP), has chastised Kenyans who oppose the planned Finance Bill 2023 for expecting other politicians to represent them, especially Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga.

According to Elachi, Raila cannot bear the responsibility of criticizing the government alone, and everyone who opposes the finance bill's measures should also "take to the streets."

Elachi supported her party's leader on Tuesday, stating that he has contributed to the fight for the nation's democracy and that it is now time for Kenyans to do the same.

PHOTO | COURTESY Dagoretti North Member of Parliament (MP) Beatrice Elachi

She added that raila had done everything for kenyans since the 90s and is not on any government payslip.

"If young people under a payslip feel this is very painful to them, they should take to the streets, not my Prime Minister (Raila)."

The politician urged Kenyans to be brave in articulating their demands rather than following in the footsteps of notable leaders.

"You must stand where you believe you are being pinched, not where others are doing it for you and you are seated there saying you are working and cannot leave." "In fact, you're the one on the pay stub," Elachi observed.

Elachi commented on the disputed bill, saying that the National Assembly will carefully study it once it is debated on the floor.

PHOTO | COURTESY Dagoretti North Member of Parliament (MP) Beatrice Elachi

She said there are good issues in the finance bill, and they have read it in a group because she wanted to understand, but there are things that will be so painful for Kenyans.

Elachi also requested President William Ruto to provide parliament with the freedom to alter the bill and act within its legal mandate.

Azimio la Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga says he would release a thorough statement on Thursday of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition's stance on the disputed Finance Bill, 2023.

Odinga, who has previously opposed the law, told a press conference in Nairobi on Monday that the coalition will emphasize their contentions and advise on the next steps as Parliament considers it.